Wole Adedoyin interviews Benjamin Mbenga: Artists Stimulate Societal Consciousness, Evoke Emotions, and Ignite Discussions on Vital Issues

WA: PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF?
MBENGA: Hello, I am Benjamin Mbenga, a passionate artist from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. My art is imbued with my commitment to raising awareness and providing education in African and global history, social issues, and environmental matters.

WA: TELL US MORE ABOUT ART IN YOUR COUNTRY?
MBENGA: Art in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is rich in diversity and deeply rooted in our culture. It serves as a powerful means of communication and expression of our realities and aspirations.

WA: HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT IHRAF BEFORE?
MBENGA: Yes, I have heard about IHRAF and its dedication to promoting human rights through art. It is a commendable initiative that gives a voice to socially conscious artists.

WA: HOW ARE ARTISTS USING ART TO PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS IN YOUR COUNTRY?
MBENGA: Artists in my country leverage their art to sensitize the population about human rights issues, highlighting injustices and advocating for social change.

WA: WHAT THEMES DO YOU PURSUE?
MBENGA: In my work, I delve into themes such as equality, cultural diversity, and environmental preservation, using my art as a means of awareness and education.

WA: WHAT ART DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?
MBENGA: I primarily identify with contemporary art and socially engaged art, where creativity merges with strong societal messages.

WA: WHAT ROLE DOES THE ARTIST HAVE IN SOCIETY?
MBENGA: The role of artists in society is to awaken consciousness, evoke emotions, and open dialogues on important and sometimes delicate subjects.

WA: WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ART WORK?
MBENGA: Among my works, the one I hold dearest is a painting titled "JUGEMENT DE LA BELGIQUE," which will be unveiled on June 30, 2024, symbolizing the political history of my country.

WA: WHAT JOBS HAVE YOU DONE OTHER THAN BEING AN ARTIST?
MBENGA: Besides my work as an artist, I have pursued various professions, ranging from teaching to humanitarian activities, all enriching me artistically and personally.

WA: WHY ART?
MBENGA: Art, for me, is a universal language, a path of expression and connection with others and the world around me.

WA: WHAT IS AN ARTISTIC OUTLOOK ON LIFE?
MBENGA: My artistic vision of life is like a mirror reflecting realities and aspirations, inviting reflection and action.

WA: WHAT MEMORABLE RESPONSES HAVE YOU HAD TO YOUR WORK?
MBENGA: Memorable feedback on my art highlights its ability to evoke emotions, provoke inquiries, and inspire change.

WA: WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE ABOUT THE ART WORLD?
MBENGA: What sometimes displeases me in the art world is the superficiality or excessive commercialization at the expense of the artistic message.

WA: WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE ABOUT YOUR WORK?
MBENGA: In my artistic work, I sometimes find it challenging when feeling restricted in my means of expression due to external constraints.

WA: WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR WORK?
MBENGA: What I appreciate most in my work is the intimate connection I establish with my subjects, my canvases, and my audience, as well as the freedom of expression it offers me, and the ease for me to create in any style.

WA: SHOULD ART BE FUNDED?
MBENGA: I strongly believe that art should be supported and funded as an essential pillar of our society, capable of encouraging creativity, empathy, and dialogue.

WA: WHAT ROLE DOES ARTS FUNDING HAVE?
MBENGA: Arts funding plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting cultural diversity, freedom of expression, and creativity.

WA: NAME THREE ARTISTS YOU’D LIKE TO BE COMPARED TO.
MBENGA: Three artists with whom I would like to be compared are Ayogou Kingsley from Nigeria, and Franck Dikisongele from the DRC (who was my professor at university).

WA: WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?
MBENGA: The best advice I have received is to remain authentic in my art, let my heart guide my creativity, and always strive for innovation.

WA: WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOAL?
MBENGA: My future goals include organizing international exhibitions, exploring new artistic techniques, and maintaining a commitment to causes that are close to my heart, such as education and knowledge awareness.

WA: YOUR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE TO UPCOMING ARTISTS
MBENGA: To emerging artists, I would advise them to stay true to their vision, work with passion and perseverance, and never cease learning and developing artistically.

Benjamin Mbenga is a passionate artist hailing from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His art reflects a profound commitment to raising awareness and imparting education on African and global history, social issues, and environmental concerns. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, he talks about his work as a professional.